what is the overall quality of s&w's barrels? specifically the chrome lined ones, are they hammer forged or what? Are they anywhere near noveske or DD? Members of other forums are extremely biased(not that some here arent) but i thought i might get a real end users opinion.It seems i can get real close to the same money with a DD piece as the S&W,(comparing DD M4V5 to S&W TS) and i can also get a middie w/DD. But I have alot of S&W and I am real comfy with thier after the sale service.thanks in advance
M&P BARREL QUALITY
- Thread starter M&PEE
- Start date
Dragon88
Well-known member
S&W barrels are no where near Noveske. They wouldn't quite match the premium barrels from makers like BCM either. But once you get into the standard or budget lines of the high-reputation AR makers, that's what the M&Ps can compete with. S&Ws are not low quality ARs by any means, but don't kid yourself into thinking you are getting an ultra-premium barrel either as you would from Noveske.
Yes I know one forum which you are likely referring to. They trash S&W ARs and anything that doesn't say BCM or DD. That is completely unnecessary.
Yes I know one forum which you are likely referring to. They trash S&W ARs and anything that doesn't say BCM or DD. That is completely unnecessary.
jsimmons
Well-known member
- Joined
- Jul 24, 2010
- Messages
- 497
- Reaction score
- 73
In the last year, I've put about 3000 rounds (mostly steel) through my M&P15 MOE, and haven't had a single issue regarding functionality or accuracy. I think they're fine rifles, given that they're made on a production line.
You can spend the money and replace your S&W barrel with a Noveske item, but before you do, ask yourself this - is that fancy new barrel going to give you anything tangible that you S&W barrel didn't? Is it going to make you noticeably more accurate? Is it going to last appreciably longer? Can you shoot steel ammo with it?
All you can really do is buy the best you can afford, and hope that's enough. When the time comes, replace the worn parts with something better. When my original S&W barrel wears out, I'll get a replacement that uses better steel, and is mid-length with a 1:8 twist. Will it be a Noveske? I don't know, but in all honesty, it depends on what I can (or want to) afford?
I'm not worried about what other people on that other board think of my rifles, or how I equip them. I sleep pretty good at night.
BTW, I built my own AR with a 16-inch stainless 1:8 barrel from BlackHole Weaponry. It works great as well.
You can spend the money and replace your S&W barrel with a Noveske item, but before you do, ask yourself this - is that fancy new barrel going to give you anything tangible that you S&W barrel didn't? Is it going to make you noticeably more accurate? Is it going to last appreciably longer? Can you shoot steel ammo with it?
All you can really do is buy the best you can afford, and hope that's enough. When the time comes, replace the worn parts with something better. When my original S&W barrel wears out, I'll get a replacement that uses better steel, and is mid-length with a 1:8 twist. Will it be a Noveske? I don't know, but in all honesty, it depends on what I can (or want to) afford?
I'm not worried about what other people on that other board think of my rifles, or how I equip them. I sleep pretty good at night.
BTW, I built my own AR with a 16-inch stainless 1:8 barrel from BlackHole Weaponry. It works great as well.
RainDodger
Well-known member
I have numerous AR-15s, and I just bought my very first S&W rifle, which happens to be the "Sport", with the R5, 1:8 twist, melonite-treated barrel.
I can say 2 things definitively about it.... 1) it's plenty accurate - it's every bit as accurate as other ARs I've shot, and 2) it cleans easier than other AR barrels I have. Perhaps that's due to the 65 degree slant of the sides of the lands, I don't know.
Yep, this is subjective information. It's subjective based on 50+ years of shooting and a whole lotta cleaning.
Take it or leave it.
I can say 2 things definitively about it.... 1) it's plenty accurate - it's every bit as accurate as other ARs I've shot, and 2) it cleans easier than other AR barrels I have. Perhaps that's due to the 65 degree slant of the sides of the lands, I don't know.
Yep, this is subjective information. It's subjective based on 50+ years of shooting and a whole lotta cleaning.
Take it or leave it.Well you know who has owned the Thompson Contender company for awile now. Well you guessed it, S&W. Did they make great barrels? It was bought near the same time S&W started making all there AR's in house.
I know my M&P is as accurate as almost any AR out there and no its a not "match" barrel because Ive never shot one and wouldnt know the difference.
I know my M&P is as accurate as almost any AR out there and no its a not "match" barrel because Ive never shot one and wouldnt know the difference.
Lee in Quartzsite
Well-known member
I am not a sniper, I never use a bench rest when hunting Coyotes in the field, so the barrel on my M&P15 is just fine with me. Besides, the best barrel in the world won't help steady the cross-hairs of my scope on target, which I find is the biggest challenge of any shot. Most guns have the ability to shoot better than the person pulling the trigger....unless of course you always shoot from a rest with a bolted down gun...but where's the fun in that??
